June 3rd, 2011 – Avian Friday: Black-necked Stilt
San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Orange County California is one of favorite bird photography locations. Besides the many trails and species within the grounds it has several ponds that are home to wading shorebirds like Avocets and Black-necked Stilts. The unique thing about these man-made ponds is that they contain embankments with vegetation that when combined with evening light and reflections off the water, offer some very colorful and pleasing backgrounds. Several species actually nest there providing opportunity to photograph their new-born chicks which are quite fascinating.
View of a Black-necked Stilt at SJWS. Irvine, California
Canon 40D, Canon EF-500/f4 IS + 1.4X Rear Extender, 700mm, f/4.5, 1/1250th Sec, ISO 320, Hand-held. Post processing -Lightroom 2, Photoshop CS3.
To see a larger version please click on the image.
Feel free to comment below if you like what you see or have any other observations.
Thanks for stopping by,
JayT
Sirfishalot's Blog 
Amazingly sharp image. If I were hand holding a rig like that I think the lens would be all over the place. Beautiful final image.
Perfectly photographed! Very, very impressive Job Jay!